Spanish Classes

The Spanish Language Department

Come, explore & learn

Whether it is for passion, to travel during a gap year, prepare a university exchange, improve your Spanish, investigate and write a thesis, study the Mayan culture, or simply get to know other ways of life, you will find in INEPAS the appropriate program that will help you in the realization of your project.

We also offer online classes.
 

Follow the guide.

Language immersion programs in Guatemala


Learn for traveling

Are you preparing to visit Guatemala and other Latin American countries?

To fully enjoy your travel, and depending on the time you have, it is recommended to have an intermediate level of Spanish, the beginner level constitutes the basics.

Are you looking for a well-defined program meanwhile you are preparing your travel? Our online classes (ONE-ON-ONE) will allow you to learn quickly in a familiar Guatemalan context.

And if you plan to go through Quetzaltenango, come and experience our Language Immersion Program. With pleasure will we follow up on the content of your Spanish program.


Language trip

Do you have a well-defined purpose to learn Spanish and a limited amount of time to do that?

INEPAS offers you a structured by level program, from Beginner to Advanced. Studying 5 hours a day, 25 hours a week (ONE-ON-ONE), 2 ½ - 3 months are enough to study all the grammar and achieve fluent communication.


Gap year

Traveling during a gap year represents an extraordinary opportunity to get to know other cultures and other ways of life. Although the American continent has a variety of languages and ancient cultures, you can travel knowing three main (official) languages: English, Spanish and Portuguese. The Spanish language (Castilian) is learned quickly.

INEPAS offers you a structured by levels program, from beginner to advanced. Studying 5 hours a day, 25 hours a week (ONE-ON-ONE), 2 ½ - 3 months are enough to study all the grammar and achieve fluent communication.

We also offer online classes while you organize your travel project.


University exchange

Do you have plans to carry out a university exchange in Latin America and need to speak Spanish before arriving in your destination country?

In INEPAS you will find all the help you need to prepare and comfortably arrive at your exchange university. With our Language Immersion Program (in person) studying 5 hours a day (ONE-ON-ONE), 25 hours a week, 3 to 4 weeks are enough to study a complete level, be it beginner, intermediate or advanced. And in case you cannot travel, another option is our online classes.


Study of the Mayan culture

Interested in learning about the Mayan culture? Either for university studies, personal reasons, or because life causes you concern about this culture, in INEPAS we organize your Spanish study program, including that of the Mayan culture.

Study 4-5 hours a day intensively the grammatical structure (concepts, definitions and uses; general notions, exercises and activities of oral comprehension / expression and written comprehension / expression) and complement your study with 2 hours of conversations and discussions specifically about Mayan culture (Specialized / Thematic Program).


Professional motivations

Spanish for professional innovation

Do you want to learn or improve the Spanish language as a professional requirement?

You will find in INEPAS the necessary help to develop the specific vocabulary according to your professional interests.

Study 4-5 hours a day in an intensive way (ONE-ON-ONE) the grammatical structure (concepts, definitions and uses; general notions, exercises and activities of oral comprehension / expression and written comprehension / expression) and complement your study with 2 hours of conversations and discussions with emphasis on specialized vocabulary and expressions according to your profession (Specialized / Thematic Program).


Expats

Are you settling or planning to settle in a Spanish-speaking country on the American continent and quickly need to communicate in Spanish?

Learn with us all the necessary bases to carry out your new life project in the best conditions.

We offer you one-on-one classes with a structured by levels program, from beginner to advanced.


International Business

Thinking of expanding your business to Latin America and quickly need to communicate in Spanish?

Don't waste your time, learn Spanish in INEPAS.

One-on-one classes: online/in person.


Retirement

Eager to learn or improve the Spanish language?

Come and take advantage of your time studying in INEPAS and, at the same time, discover the social, political and cultural reality of Guatemala.

We also offer online classes and can help you in developing the necessary Spanish foundation for your trip, from the comfort of your home.

How to choose your program?


To study in Quetzaltenango:

Online Classes

Online CourseLearn online!

It is after a long experience in the traditional teaching of the Spanish language that we have decided to broaden our offer with online classes.

For that, we have taken our time to think about what would be the most adapted tools to satisfy the multiple needs of the varied profiles of our public. Thus, we have decided to choose different platforms/tools, adapted to both adults and children, beginners and advanced.

In this way, we are following our philosophy of teaching live, taking advantage of the new options offered by current technologies.

Our teachers attend you between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m., Central American time (UTC -06:00).

Inscription Guide for Online Classes
  1. Sign up indicating us your availabilities.
  2. You will receive 2 emails: a confirmation one and a payment request.
  3. Please make the payment.
  4. You will receive an email for accessing the platform.
  5. With anticipation, follow the process to open a session and set up the two-factor authentication. For any difficulty, please contact us quickly.
  6. Connect you at the agreed time to receive your classes.
  7. Enjoy them!

Course Options

Course Options - From 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. (UTC -06:00)
Course One: Regular weekly plan - 2 hours of classes a day - (10 hours per week)
Course Two: Intensive weekly plan - 4 hours of classes a day - (20 hours per week)
Course Three: Intensive weekly plan - 5 hours of classes a day - (25 hours per week)
Course Four: Relaxed monthly plan - 2 hours of classes a week - (10 hours in 5 weeks)
Course Five: Regular monthly plan - 2 hours of classes a day - (40 hours per month)
Course Six: Regular monthly plan - 3 hours of classes a day - (60 hours per month)
You are travelling in...
You travelled to...
You wish to travel to......Spanish spoken countries and want to learn, practice or improve your Spanish?
You cannot or do not want to leave your country, but wish to learn Spanish? We know that the process of learning a language requires some time, for that we recommend a minimum commitment of one week. Most of our courses are intended for an audience that can invest between two to five hours daily.
How to choose your level?

Reference levels

INEPASCommon European Framework
of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
Beginner:
I - II - III
A1 - A2
Intermediate:
I - II - III
B1 - B2
Advanced:
I - II - III - IV
C1 - C2
How to choose your level?

Reference levels

INEPASCommon European Framework
of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
Beginner:
I - II - III
A1 - A2
Intermediate:
I - II - III
B1 - B2
Advanced:
I - II - III - IV
C1 - C2

The Language Immersion Program

Our complete program which allows you to study in the morning or in the afternoon, from 20 until 40 hours per week.

The Service Learning Program
(under restructuring)

Combine Spanish study in the mornings with volunteer work in the afternoons.

The Specialized / Thematic Program

A tailored program which will allow you to focus on the grammar in the morning and on professional or thematic topics in the afternoon.
Available from an intermediate Spanish level. 30 hours per week.

The Free Spanish Program

To study 2-3 hours in the afternoons or intensively at the weekends.

We recommend to you this program:

The Language Immersion Program

Versatile program, ideal for learning Spanish quickly according to a rigorous studying plan that follows a logical structure. Possibility to study from 20 hours per week up to 40 hours.

We recommend to you this program:

The Service Learning Program
(under restructuring)

Constitutes a combination between morning studies with an afternoon volunteering work.

These programs may interest you:

The Language Immersion Program

Our complete program that permits you to study in the mornings and afternoons.

The Specialized / Thematic Program

If you have a lot of energy and want a course focused on professional or cultural themes.

The Free Spanish Program

More relaxed program that permits you to study 2-3 hours in the afternoons.

We recommend to you this program:

The Specialized / Thematic Program

A tailored program which will allow you to focus on the grammar in the morning and on professional or thematic topics in the afternoon.
Available from an intermediate Spanish level.

We recommend to you these programs:

The Specialized / Thematic Program

A tailored program which will allow you to focus on the grammar in the morning and on professional or thematic topics in the afternoon.
Available from an intermediate Spanish level. 30 hours per week.

The Language Immersion Program

Versatile program that will permit you to address a variety of general themes without focusing exclusively on one theme or specialty. From 20 hours per week up to 40 hours.

We recommend to you this program:

The Free Spanish Program

Program adapted to children that permits them to study 2-3 hours in the afternoons.
Children have to be accompanied by adults. The latter can take in parallel their own courses, for example of the Free Spanish or the Immersion Programs.

We recommend to you these programs:

The Free Spanish Program

Program adapted to families that permits them to study 2-3 hours in the afternoons.
Family members can study all together, individually or in subgroups (for example the parents with a teacher and the kids with another one).

The Language Immersion Program

This program, complete, can also interest you. Interesting for family members from 16 years old.

We recommend to you these programs:

The Free Spanish Program

Ideal to study in a relaxed way, 2-3 hours in the afternoons. In groups or individually.
Possibility of intensive studies at the weekends.

The Language Immersion Program

Other option, more exigent, with a complete program. Possibility to study in group or individually. From 20 hours per week up to 40 hours. This program will permit you to address a variety of general themes.

The Free Spanish Program

For kids, families and friends

This program is designed for kids, families and groups of friends who want to learn Spanish in a relaxed atmosphere, without so much pressure. 2 or 3 daily hours can be chosen, in the afternoon.

Intensive study at the week-end

For those who have little stay time available, it is also possible to study intensively at the week-ends, 5 hours in the morning and 5 hours in the afternoon.


Course Schedules

AfternoonWeek-end
Regular course: 10 hours
2 daily hours (Mon-Fri)
3pm - 5pm
Intensive course: 20 hours
10 daily hours: Saturday & Sunday
8am - 1pm / 2pm - 7pm
Regular course: 15 hours
3 daily hours (Mon-Fri)
3pm - 6pm

The Specialized / Thematic Program

Specialized learning for every career

This 30-hour a week program is focused to entrepreneurs, diplomats, professionals and students of every career and degree. The daily 6-hour course is divided into the grammar study (4 hours) and conversations focused on vocabulary and specialized expressions according to your themes (2 hours). Ask for our theme catalogue.


Course Schedules

Intensive course: 30 hours a week/6 hours daily (Mon-Fri)
MorningAfternoon
4 hours
8am - 12am / 9am - 1pm
Grammar in context: study intensively the grammatical structure: concepts, definitions and uses. General notions, exercises and activities of listening, oral expression, written comprehension and expression.
2 hours
3pm - 5pm
Conversations and discussions with emphasis on specialized vocabulary and expressions according to your interests.

The Language Immersion Program

immersion_programImmerse yourself in Spanish

Designed for those students who wish to focus solely on learning the Spanish language, this program includes morning one-to-one language instruction, 5 days per week, for 5, 7 or 8 hours each day, with a qualified teacher. In the afternoon, students can participate in optional cultural, social and sight seeing activities.

In order for our students to put into practice what they have learned in their classes as well as to experience daily family life in Guatemala, we recommend that they live with one of our local home-stay families. Students receive 3 meals a day and are given a private room. However if students prefer, we can advise them on a range of alternatives all within walking distance of the school, including renting some fully furnished apartments or staying in hostels or hotels.


Course Options and Schedules

MorningAfternoon
Course One: 4 hours of classes a day
(20 hours per week)
Timetable: 8am - 12pm / 9am - 1pm
Optional: sightseeing and socio-cultural activities
Course Two: 5 hours of classes a day
(25 hours per week)
Timetable: 8am - 1pm
Optional: sightseeing and socio-cultural activities
Course Three: 7 hours of classes a day
(35 hours per week)
Timetable: 8am - 12pm
Continuation of classes: 3pm-6pm
Course Four: 8 hours of classes a day
(40 hours per week)
Timetable: 8am - 1pm
Continuation of classes: 3pm-6pm

The Service Learning Program (under restructuring)

service_programLearn Spanish Through Service

The Service Learning Program combines 4 or 5 hours of classroom instruction in the morning with 3 or 4 hours of hands-on field work as a volunteer in the afternoons in one of our social aid programs.

Working directly with communities increases the direct meaningful use of Spanish language and the classroom time allows participants to focus on the language they need to be effective in their social work.

Descriptions of the different volunteer positions are available on the Volunteer page.


serviceThe 2-Week Training Period

Before Service Learning students begin their voluntary work in the community, a 2-week training period provides them with a thorough understanding of what they are expected to do. It also gives them an essential insight into the complex range of political, social and economic challenges that Guatemalan Mayan communities face.

 

The 2-week training period includes...

  • A presentation on the Social Aid Department of INEPAS.
  • Visits to places of cultural interest in and around Quetzaltenango.
  • Films or documentaries of political, socio-economic and cultural interest.
  • Lectures and conferences on a variety of subjects, with the purpose of informing the student on the main issues of Guatemala.
  • One-to-one talks on important customs and traditions in Mayan communities.
  • Presentation of the student to the community.
  • Sample schedule of a Service Learning student.
 

Week One

MorningAfternoon
Spanish Classes:
One to one instruction
5 hours per day
8:00am - 1:00pm
Training Week One:
Presentation of INEPAS and its functions, visits to places of cultural interest in and around Quetzaltenango, films and documentaries of political, socio-economic and cultural interest, lectures and conferences on the history, culture, and politics of Guatemala.

Week Two

MorningAfternoon
Spanish Classes:
One to one instruction
5 hours per day
8:00am - 1:00pm
Training Week Two:
Informative one-to-one talks about Mayan communities in Guatemala with a focus on the community in which the student will work, what is expected of the student in his/her voluntary work and finally a presentation of the student to the community.

Week Three, Four, Five, etc.

MorningAfternoon
Spanish Classes:
One to one instruction
4 or 5 hours per day
8:00am - 12:00/1:00pm
Voluntary Work

The Specialized / Thematic Program

Specialized learning for every career

This 30-hour a week program is focused to entrepreneurs, diplomats, professionals and students of every career and degree. The daily 6-hour course is divided into the grammar study (4 hours) and conversations focused on vocabulary and specialized expressions according to your themes (2 hours). Ask for our theme catalogue.


Course Schedules

Intensive course: 30 hours a week/6 hours daily (Mon-Fri)
MorningAfternoon
4 hours
8am - 12am / 9am - 1pm
Grammar in context: study intensively the grammatical structure: concepts, definitions and uses. General notions, exercises and activities of listening, oral expression, written comprehension and expression.
2 hours
3pm - 5pm
Conversations and discussions with emphasis on specialized vocabulary and expressions according to your interests.

The Free Spanish Program

For kids, families and friends

This program is designed for kids, families and groups of friends who want to learn Spanish in a relaxed atmosphere, without so much pressure. 2 or 3 daily hours can be chosen, in the afternoon.

Intensive study at the week-end

For those who have little stay time available, it is also possible to study intensively at the week-ends, 5 hours in the morning and 5 hours in the afternoon.


Course Schedules

AfternoonWeek-end
Regular course: 10 hours
2 daily hours (Mon-Fri)
3pm - 5pm
Intensive course: 20 hours
10 daily hours: Saturday & Sunday
8am - 1pm / 2pm - 7pm
Regular course: 15 hours
3 daily hours (Mon-Fri)
3pm - 6pm

An inscription fee of GTQ 230 is asked for students who are registering for the first time for classes in Quetzaltenango.

Total per week

Price & Conditions (Quetzaltenango)

Prices for Program and Accommodation in Quetzaltenango

  • Prices are calculated in local currency (quetzals).
  • The exchange rate used in our web page is 7.7 Q/US$.
  • Preferably must pay before classes start, every week.
  • Special prices if you pay in advance at least 4 weeks of classes!

Inscription fee (for staying in Quetzaltenango)

We ask GTQ 230 (the equivalent of USD 30) per person as inscription fee to students who are registering for the first time, this to organize the staying here in Quetzaltenango. It has to be paid in advance and is not refundable.

Online courses are not charged.

Conditions of Payment

Payments for course and home-stay in Quetzaltenango can be made in advance for the entire staying or week by week with the administration at the beginning of each week. Payments would be made with the local currency (quetzals), cash or by credit card. We do not accept travellers cheques.

When tuition or accommodation fees are paid in advance and the student decides not to continue his/her studies, a refund will be made for not started weeks. Costs generated by the online payment system for the reimbursement will be borne by the student.

Electronic Payments

We give to students the possibility to pay Online courses, courses and home-stays in Quetzaltenango and their inscription fee by an electronic way.

We trust for that in the company:

Tab

With this system we will send to you a request of payment by email once you have sent your registration form. Tab will charge to you a 4% commission paying by credit card. For its part, INEPAS will assume the rest of the commission requested by Tab (2.9% + USD 1, depending on the type of payment request) in addition to our local bank commission (USD 5).

If you would like more information about security matters relating with Tab, click here.

Or visit our Prices page containing all our price tables.

Conditions of Payment & Refund Policy (Online)

Conditions of Payment

Prices are calculated in the local currency (quetzals).

Electronic Payments

We give to students the possibility to pay Online courses, courses and home-stays in Quetzaltenango and their inscription fee by an electronic way.

We trust for that in the company:

Tab

With this system we will send to you a request of payment by email once you have sent your registration form. Tab will charge to you a 4% commission paying by credit card. For its part, INEPAS will assume the rest of the commission requested by Tab (2.9% + USD 1, depending on the type of payment request) in addition to our local bank commission (USD 5).

If you would like more information about security matters relating with Tab, click here.

Online course: terms of service & refund policy

Obligations of INEPAS

INEPAS undertakes to offer lessons at the times agreed with the student.

In the event of a service interruption for technical reasons (power cut, loss of Internet connection, computer failure), INEPAS will offer to postpone the course to a convenient time for the student.

Obligations of the student

The student undertakes to respect the lesson times agreed with INEPAS.

In case of delay or non-participation in the course, the student will not be able to make any claims.

Refund

When the student decides not to continue his/her studies, a refund will be made for the hours not studied from which a lump sum of GTQ 150 (approximately USD 20) will be deducted. The costs incurred by the online payment system for the reimbursement will be borne by the student.

Or visit our Prices page containing all our price tables.

More information about...

the_spanish_classesStudy Levels for Everyone

INEPAS offers ten different study levels, ranging from Beginner to Advanced. Each level is designed and structured in a progressive system. To join the Beginner level, no previous knowledge of the Spanish language is needed. For the Intermediate or Advanced levels, the Beginner or Intermediate level must be previously approved through a placement test. Each level has its own evaluation which is optional.

The content of the program is varied, open and flexible, and the methodology adapts to the objectives, level of Spanish, rhythm and learning style of each student. Study hours are distributed between grammar teaching, oral and written exercises, conversations about daily life and discussions about social, political, economic and cultural reality of Guatemala and Latin America, always with emphasis on vocabulary and specialized expressions, according to the profession or interest of each student.

Each level takes a week of study for any student, which means that a Spanish student at INEPAS completes the entire course in an average of 10/12 weeks, studying 5 hours a day. However, it should be taken into account that each student learns at their own pace and speed. At all levels, personalized teaching is guaranteed and in a context that favors the exchange of cultures.

Obviously, the student is evaluated every week to verify if (s)he is able to advance to the immediate higher level or to make a previous reinforcement, which is done in common agreement with the student and the teacher.

Evaluations are realized through dynamic and creative dialogues, including reading comprehension, listening comprehension and expression and interaction activities (written and oral). Finalizing the course, students receive a DIPLOMA that accredits the Spanish level and the grammar content studied.

INEPAS aims to keep the student with the same teacher week by week. This way the teacher knows exactly what areas to study and what the student needs to improve on. However, if a student wants to change his or her teacher for the following week, this is possible in consultation with the administration.

Backed by more than 25 years of experience, INEPAS offers specific and specialized courses to satisfy communication needs of travelers, tourists, volunteers, retirees, entrepreneurs, diplomats, students and professionals of all degrees or professions.

Our content guide by grammar levels EQUIVALES the new level systems of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages ​​(CEFR) and the curriculum of the Instituto Cervantes.

Reference levels

INEPAS Common European Framework
of Reference for Languages (CEFR)
Beginner:
I - II - III
A1 - A2
Intermediate:
I - II - III
B1 - B2
Advanced:
I - II - III - IV
C1 - C2
 
spanish_schoolThe Spanish Language Department

INEPAS is located in the historic city centre of Quetzaltenango, an ideal place for our students to learn the Spanish language while discovering and experiencing the culture, traditions and reality of Guatemala. The Spanish schools in Quetzaltenango are considered to be amongst the best and most economical throughout Latin America.

Since 1994, INEPAS has received students from all over the world. During this time, it has maintained the highest of tuition standards, with the purpose of effectively teaching one of the world's most widely-spoken languages.

INEPAS is smaller in size than many of the other Spanish schools in Xela meaning that the students and teachers get to know one another quickly, creating an intimate family-like atmosphere. We supervise the studies of each student, ensuring that the teacher follows the study program laid out by the Department.

More info about Quetzaltenango

quetzaltenangoQuetzaltenango (Xela)

Situated 140km from the Mexican border and 230km from Guatemala City, Quetzaltenango or Xela, as it is more commonly known, is surrounded by the spectacular mountains and volcanoes (some active) of the Western Highlands, giving it an altitude of 2,300 meters above sea level. Although the second biggest city in Guatemala, Xela is not considered a particularly fast-paced city, and its small centre offers our students everything that they need, including restaurants, cafes, bars and very cheap internet access.

Quetzaltenango is the native home of many different Indigenous Peoples, predominantly Quiche and Mam, who heavily populate the region today.

Despite what Xela has to offer the tourist, (volcanoes, hot springs, authentic markets and Mayan towns) it has not become a habitual destination for travellers, unlike other Guatemalan cities, such as Antigua or Panajachel. This is an advantage to our students, as they are unlikely to be met with English-speaking inhabitants and being obliged to use the Spanish language in every aspect of daily life, they will progress more quickly in their learning.

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